Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992) Review

The 992 GT3 RS is where Porsche's GT department stopped treating the RS as a lighter GT3 and built a road-legal aerodynamics experiment. Unveiled in August 2022 and in US showrooms from spring 2023 at $223,800, it replaces the usual three radiators with a single angled unit in the nose, where other 911s carry luggage, an idea taken from the 911 RSR, and uses the freed space for active aerodynamic elements. The result is 409 kg of downforce at 200 km/h and 860 kg at 285 km/h, twice the 991.2 GT3 RS and three times a 992 GT3.

The 4.0 liter flat-six gains new camshaft profiles for 525 PS (518 hp) at 8,500 rpm and 465 Nm, still revs to 9,000 rpm, and drives through a seven-speed PDK geared shorter than the GT3's; there is no manual. It is the first production Porsche with a drag reduction system, which flattens the wing elements on straights automatically or at the press of a steering wheel button, and the first series Porsche whose rear wing stands higher than the roof.

Rotary controls on the steering wheel adjust compression and rebound damping front and rear and the rear differential lock. Jörg Bergmeister lapped the Nordschleife in 6 minutes 44.848 seconds in October 2022, the fastest time for a naturally aspirated production car as of late 2024. On a circuit it is extraordinary; on a broken road it is stiff, loud and very wide.

The drivetrain is shared with the GT3, and the costs are those of a car designed for track days: track tyres, brake wear and fuel consumption that climbs quickly when the engine is used. The radiator takes the space where the luggage would go, the bucket seats suit a circuit more than a commute, and the ride is firm enough that a long trip takes commitment. Resale has been strong, with cars trading well above list since launch, according to the market data Classic.com publishes.

As a track car with number plates the 992 GT3 RS has few rivals at its price, and its engine remains one of the great naturally aspirated units. As a road car it is compromised by design, which is why it sits a notch below the plain GT3 as a 911 to own. Buyers who will use the aerodynamics will find nothing better; everyone else should buy the GT3.